INLSA

Masizole Mnqasela

Sue Segar

Political Bureau

A CONFIDENT DA MP Masizole Mnqasela says he will face his disciplinary hearing with the knowledge that he has “extensive support” from DA MPs as well as ordinary party supporters.

“Those people who supported Athol Trollip… they never vanished,” Mnqasela said yesterday, in a reference to the highly contested race between Lindiwe Mazibuko and Trollip for the position of DA parliamentary leader.

“They are still there and there are more and more others saying: ‘Masizole, you are not alone.’ ”

At a media conference yesterday, he hinted strongly at possible counter-charges against DA leader Helen Zille for likening his thinking to that of apartheid architect Hendrik Verwoerd.

He also suggested there was discontent in the party over Zille’s leadership style, saying: “She is not loved by everyone. The reality is that she might have gone a little too far in some things, including the attack on me.”

On the possibility of counter-charges, Mnqasela said: “A number of people have come to me about bringing counter-charges, including very senior MPs. They have encouraged me, saying Helen Zille should be charged.

“People have written letters to the Federal Legal Commission (FLC) because they take this personally.

“I am a leader of a constituency, with supporters throughout the country calling with messages of support,” he said.

Mnqasela, who is expected to plead not guilty to six charges of misconduct filed by the FLC, came under the spotlight when he questioned Zille’s decision to publicly support Mazibuko to replace Trollip as parliamentary leader.

Mnqasela also allegedly said Mazibuko was not black enough to attract black voters.

He was expected to appear before the commission tomorrow and on Thursday, but told journalists the case had been postponed because two lawyers – both members of the DA – had, consecutively, withdrawn their services from him.

Mnqasela stressed that the DA remained his home. “I love this party. That is why I have worked so hard.

“Nobody should be thinking that Masizole Mnqasela is finding another home.”